Understanding the Normal Heating Cycle of a Furnace
A furnace typically cycles on and off two to three times per hour, with each cycle lasting 10 to 15 minutes, influenced by factors like insulation, outdoor temperature, and furnace age.
Nothing beats relaxing at home during the winter with a smoothly and efficiently working furnace. However, homeowners often wonder if their furnace is operating as long and regularly as it should. This blog will explore everything homeowners need to know about the typical heating cycle of a home furnace.
The Average Runtime of a Furnace
On average, a furnace should kick on and turn off anywhere from two to three times every hour, with a cycle lasting 10 to 15 minutes, to maintain the desired indoor temperature. That's assuming there are no extreme factors involved and the home has average insulation. If the furnace runs longer or shorter than average, there's no need to worry about problems with the unit just yet.
The number of times the heating equipment runs per hour depends on several different variables. In addition to the home's insulation, the outdoor air temperature and the age of the furnace may also play a part in the heating cycle.
Causes of Frequent Furnace Cycling
If longer or shorter heating cycles happen consistently, even during mild weather conditions, this could mean there's an issue that requires the immediate attention of a heating services contractor. Problems include the following:
Dirty furnace filter
Too much dust and dirt on the air filter prevents the heating unit from ensuring proper airflow. The heat exchanger could overheat as a result, which will then cause the furnace to cycle on and off too frequently.
Thermostat issues
The furnace could be running intermittently due to faulty thermostat sensors. The batteries could also be running low.
The wrong furnace size
It's also possible that the furnace may either be too big or too small for the home. Thus, it will heat the indoor spaces faster or slower than normal, putting unnecessary stress on the unit and its internal components.
Above and Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at 210-897-8658.
